RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

This gun was found in my brother’s safe deposit box in Florida over 15 years ago. Initially, we were shocked to find a gun there. So, we emptied the safe deposit box and brought it home, where it has been ever since. I enjoy your antiques column, so I decided to write to you in the hope of learning more information about it. You have answered reader’s questions regarding guns in past articles I’ve read, and you seem to be quite knowledgeable about firearms in general. I would like to know its age and perhaps its value. I’m sending several pictures to you, including the wooden box we found it in. Many thanks for your time and information.

Henry

Our readers never cease to amaze me with the most interesting items I have the privilege to see and to appraise each week. What you currently possess is an antique Smith and Wesson Model No. 2 Army Revolver. This gun was Smith and Wesson’s first .32 caliber revolver, intended to combine the small size of the Smith and Wesson Model 1 in the smaller caliber .22 rimfire, with a larger caliber. As stated, chambered for .32 rimfire caliber, and as you are aware it’s cylinder can hold six rounds. This gun was manufactured from 1861 to 1874. Please understand that for a Civil War soldier, owning a revolver as a backup gun was important. It could make the difference between life and death. So, Smith & Wesson’s cartridge revolvers, including the gun you now possess, came into popular demand with the outbreak of the Civil War. Soldiers and officers on both sides of the conflict made private purchases of these revolvers for self-defense. Some more historical notes for this revolver are as follows – United States President Hayes, Wild Bill Hickock (on his person when he died), and General George Armstrong Custer owned the same gun you now have. It was a desirable weapon at that time. But it gets even better. Take notice of the magnificent engraving and scroll work throughout this revolver. Engraved guns live at the intersection of form and function. I like to call it “Art on Steel.” I am happy to inform you that this engraving was executed by the renowned artist and master engraver Louis D. Nimschke (1832-1904). I am able to recognize his “New York” style engraving, having exhibition-grade foliate scrollwork and beautiful, rounded terminals. Finely engraved guns hold a special place in any collector’s heart. Louis Nimschke was trained in Germany under several very important engravers of that era before coming to America in 1853, where he began his prolific career in New York City. It is referenced that he engraved about 3000 firearms between 1850 to 1900. Prominent people of that time wanted their guns embellished and decorated by him. His work is even recognized by the Smithsonian Institute, where examples of his beautifully engraved guns are on display. He didn’t just engrave pistols, but he is also noted for decorating Winchester lever action rifles as well. Your particular gun comes complete with its original rosewood presentation case having two compartments. I noticed in your photograph an old two-piece cartridge box by Smith, Hall & Farmer, that appears to have remained in excellent condition. Fortunately, the gun in question also appears to have remained in excellent condition with most of the original bluing in very good to excellent condition. Your gun also has the original wooden grips with an indexed screw and very minimal handling marks. All in all, a real showstopper! Now let’s talk about this gun’s value. The antique firearms market is experiencing sustained appreciation driven by a growing, passionate collector base. Antique firearms are increasingly viewed as investment-grade assets, particularly for top-tier items that are well preserved such as the gun you possess. Therefore, the current value for this beautiful antique, Nimschke engraved, cased Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 revolver is $8000 USD. Perhaps you can now understand why this gun was in a safe deposit box, located inside a bank vault.